July 2009. BUYER BEWARE!!! I am writing in regards to the damage Cal Alta Auto Glass has done to my vehicle in Calgary, Alberta. The location was 9827A Horton Road SW. The installer was James and the saleswoman/Manager is named Karen. The vehicle was brought in for a new windshield. What a hack job. I now have to take it in for replacement once again, only this time at a more reputable business. I guess you get what you pay for.

My first attempt at getting the problem fixed was over the phone. I didn't get a word in as Karen started with the excuses. My second attempt as in person, and again was met with such unbelievably rude behaviour, that I am still somewhat stunned. From the get go, the Manager did not want to take responsibility. I was given half a dozen or so excuses and they even pointed the finger at the dealership where I originally bought my vehicle. That they replaced and botched the windshield before I came into to Cal-Alta. As if that's an excuse for them doing a poor job. The speed at which they denied responsibility and their refusal to even look at my car makes it look as if they do this all the time.

Their warranty is useless because they only cover the glue that seals the windshield onto the vehicle (and I somehow doubt they'd respect that too). As for the collateral damage they cause to your vehicle, you are pretty much screwed.

If you have a brand new vehicle that needs a windshield replacement, please consult your friends and family for better references. You shouldn't have to waste your hard earned money on feeding incompetence and lining crooked people's pockets.

The owner of this business also owns the Edmonton Trail NE location.

I have found many complaints for either locations. In all cases, the management refuses to acknowledge responsibility and state that "they get these pre-damaged conditions all the time" and that it's never their fault. They throw the blame in all directions, but never take it.

Oh, and the Manager also let it slip that had she given me the real cost of doing it properly, I would've never done business with them.

There is a sliver lining to this story though. Although they probably make a killing out of screwing customers (Calgary is blessed with millions of cracked windshields), about four co-workers of mine were also about to get theirs fixed, and you guessed it, they were going to call Cal-Alta for their low low prices. After asking me about my experience and seeing the result, they all went elsewhere. I guess Karen is costing Cal-Alta much revenue losses these days...

Here's another complaint:
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/cal-alta-auto-glass-c87075.html